Douglas L. Allen, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of geography at Emporia State University in Kansas. As a researcher, he investigates how place-making is used to affirm, celebrate, and create joy for racially marginalized communities. His work on HBCUs and places of respite have been published in geography journals such as Antipode, Geoforum, and Cultural Geographies as well as a book chapter in the Handbook of Urban Educational Leadership (2nd edition).
Douglas earned a bachelor's in history from Troy University; a master's in history of race, ethnicity, and society from Columbus State University; and a doctorate in geography from Florida State University. His master's thesis and doctoral dissertation investigated culture, music, and geography at HBCUs.